Holy Father. You are beyond the simple words that come to my mind. As I sit and reflect on who you are, my heart struggles to process the vast nearness of your presence. As I think about the expanse of the universe and the ever expanding boundaries that humans think they can observe of its outer edges, I am drawn back to the immensity of your presence. I have no perspective to help me understand the reach of the stars in space, and it causes me to realize that I have no perspective to know the magnitude of your presence. What is the universe in your presence? It is but a grain of sand compared to the infinite. All we can see and observe is but a miniscule speck in the true reality of the Creator.
Yet, you are near to me. Your presence draws nears to me. The vast and infinite is not distant. The infinite clothed itself in humanity and walked among us. The Word of Life took on flesh and lived a life of humble fragility. The Creator came to be among us. His Spirit is now dwelling within me. Communion and fellowship with the infinite abounds within me.
These words strike at my very core and compel me to reflect and meditate on the Holy. Life is not a play being acted on the grand stage of the world. No, this is relational and personal. I was created to worship this holy and infinite God. I am called to worship and enjoy Him forever and forever. Indeed, I worship Him by enjoying him. I enjoy Him by humbly being real. I don’t run away and hide from my God when sin has gripped my heart. It’s the complete opposite. I run toward my heavenly loving Father in all my filthiness. I don’t try to clean myself up first. I simply come dirty and humbled to my steadfast Lord. He will embrace me in my repentance. He will clean me. He will heal me.
It is in these moments of humble dependence that I truly understand the heart of Jesus. The gentle heart of Jesus for his wayward disciple. It is here in the arms of Jesus that I experience true love and forgiveness as the peace of Christ refreshes and revives my soul. What a joy it is to think upon this steadfast love of Christ for me. Not just once, and not just seven times, and not only seventy-seven times, but each and every time. The riches of his kindness and mercy know no bounds. It is a sea without bottom or shore. His love for me is like the vastness of space. Whenever I think I have reached its boundary and there can surely be no more, I find that his love is far beyond that as well.
Lord Jesus, I thank you for your steadfast love, patience, and kindness to me. You have redeemed me from the pit of misery and despair and brought me into communion and fellowship with you. Speak to my heart and mind today. Refresh my soul. Give me strength to live this day for your glory and name. Work in me this day to proclaim the wonderful love and mercy of Christ to the world around me. Draw me close to your heart in your warm embrace.